Fallen Leaves

by Lune.Equinox

In her mind, Karma hurting her was never a possibility, but she guesses everything happens for a reason. Even if she is in pain day after day, minute after minute, Amy doesn't regret it. Karma, without knowing, opened the door of a life that Amy never thought possible, a life that she was lucky to be part of. Yes, Karma is her family, but now, she isn t the only one.

21. An unwanted intervention

Hey guys, long update today, but it is an update filled with mistakes, I didn't have time to proof read, I don't have time to proof read, so I thought that it would be better to update without proper editing than not updating at all, once I have time I will edit the chapter properly, I'm sorry for that, if any of you would like to be beta for this I would be deeply thankful or if you know someone…

Please review.

Guest: I don't have time to make a re cap

Guest: I know that the fact that Lauren already had her first her first time may be surprising for some and that subject will come up soon, don't worry. And yes the Karma thing is frustrating but Amy loved her for a very long time, it won't go away that easily. Yeah, Emma's thing is overwhelming.

CarmillaKarn: I don't think that Lauren has built her confidence around Amy, I actually think that Lauren is more insecure around Amy than anything else, but she was also trying to express how she felt about her. We will talk about her first time later. Yeah man! Jade is beautiful.

CyberHipster: the scary part hasn't even begun. More Amren stories? We will see

…..

—where is your bitchiness?— Emma asked after a few minutes. They had ended on the floor. The white haired girl had collapsed and Jade wasn't strong enough to carry her all the way to the sofa or the bedroom.

—Im cold, sarcastic and a bit cynic, but I'm not a bitch— Jade told her and kept her hold on Emma secure. —are you better now?

—I'm not sure, but I feel better now that someone else knows.

—let's go outside, I'm gonna show you something, just to get our minds out of this— Emma nodded and stood up, offering Jade her help. Jade ignored it and stood up on her own. Emma rolled her eyes. —put something warm— Emma nodded and went upstairs, coming back with two jackets.

—put this on, your defenses are still low— Jade ignored her and Emma grabbed her arm before she could leave the house, forcing her into the jacket.

—I don't need this.

—stop being an ass— Emma told her standing in front of Jade and zipping up her jacket. Their gazes met for just a second before Jade looked away.

They went out of the house through the back door and Jade put her hand on Emma's shoulder, both of them disappearing silently. Their feet hit the ground harshly and a wave of merciless coldness enveloped them both.

—JADE! WHERE ARE WE?— Emma screamed. they were at the very top of a cliff, the cold was freezing her bones, she tried to look down, shuffling backwards once she couldn't pinpoint the bottom, she looked around, mountain, cliffs, hills of snow everywhere.

Emma was freezing as she looked at Jade who looked unaffected.

—we are in Canada, standing atop Mount Thor

—WHAT?! Is freaking WINTER in CANADA, look where we are! We are gonna FREEZE TO DEATH— Emma was scared and so, so cold, she was just wearing a a thin jacket and the wind was picking up.

—stop being a pussy— Jade said, Emma froze in her spot.

—it's too cold Jade, you are in no state to deal with this weather— Jade turned to look at Emma and grabbed her chin with her fingers forcing her to look forward at the landscape in front of them.

—what do you see?— Jade asked, she had moved to stand behind Emma, whispering in her ear so the white haired girl could hear her through the raging wind.

—I see nature. Pure, white, breathtaking.

—do you see why I brought you here? What do I want you to see?— Jade continued to whisper, taking off her own jacket and wrapping it around Emma.

The white haired girl shook her head and didn't take her eyes away from the scenery around her until Jade made her turn around.

—even if the wind and the cold are merciless and inclement, just as the things you see, that doesn't make this place any less pure, any less natural. Those visions doesn't take away your purity— Jade said pressing a freezing thumb right under one of Emma's blue eyes. —everything in here remains white and pure, no matter how many people this mountains have seen dying, no matter how much blood has stained the snow, no matter how much agony this place has had to withstand, it stays pure, white and naturally beautiful— Jade took a long lock of white hair between her fingers and allowed herself to look deeply into Emma's eyes. —Just like you.

Something in Emma's chest stirred, the view of herself she had making a turn inside her head

Jade moved to stand behind Emma putting her hands gently on her shoulders and leaning close to whisper in her ear. —I'm gonna make you forget— She said and emma unconsciously closed her eyes

Next thing Emma knew was that there was no ground under her feet, all she could see was endless white as she fell. Jade had pushed her off of the cliff.

The schilling scream rang loud and clear between the mountains as the white haired girl kept falling and falling.

Suddenly a massive dragon passed right in front of her, vertically flying towards the sky as Emma desperately latched onto the scales on its back. She felt as if her fingers were going to fall off, the pressure, the pull of gravity making impossible to keep her hold stable.

The creature was massively big, jet black, the movements of its wings making vibrations flood the sky and earth with the great amount of power it possessed. Her heart was beating a mile per minute as her body started to shake from exertion, she dared to look down just to see an endless white void, her eyes stung harshly as she held on for dear life. Her fingers were stiff and she could barely feel them, her throat was closing with sobs of deep fear as her hands gave out. She shut her eyes tightly swallowing her screams as her body slides down the dragon's.

A cold hand closed around her wrist and she looked up to see Jade's smirking face. The dragon made a sharp turn as it let himself fall backwards throwing them both off of it. Emma screamed as she felt herself start to free fall again, this time with nothing to latch onto, her stomach jumped to her throat as the harsh wind bit her flesh harshly.

Cold arms wrapped around her and suddenly she wasn't falling anymore.

—hey, open your eyes. Emma, open your eyes— Emma did. Her sight blurry at first because of the flood of tears that seemed to be frozen there, she blinked quickly trying to clear her vision just to see a sky as blue as her eyes and clouds white and looking like the softest of all cottons.

She was in Jade's arms bridal style and the raven haired woman was standing on the dragon's back as it flew all around the sky.

Jade let her go, Emma's shoes touching the back of the dragon as she felt it move under her feet. Jade cupped her face and wiped away the tears on her cheeks, bringing a thick scarf out of nowhere and curling it around Emma's neck, taking Emma's hands and making her put them in her pockets and finally zipping the jacket she had recently put around Emma.

—how do you feel?

—I don't know, I feel like my brain is gone and my heart is beating so fast I can barely feel it.

—like the fluttering of the wings of a butterfly?

—what?— Emma asked, mouth agape, her body feeling weak, her knees gave out and she fell forwards into Jade's arms. Jade hugged her tightly and held her as she lowered them both onto the dragon's back

—the adrenaline is wearing out, your body is finally relaxing after all the stress it was put through and now is shutting down, and so is your brain after all the fear and panic, is shock mixing we the relief of safety. You can't really think, can you?

—No. Thank you— Emma whispered her voice raw after all the screaming.

—it's my pleasure to push girls off of cliffs

—you are psycho, if I wasn't so out of it I would slap you.

—you can slap me later. Now, enjoy the view— Jade held Emma securely, the girl was mostly limp as she admired the sky with cloudy blue eyes.

—where did it come from?

—I called him, this is my dragon. I'm a rider, see?— Jade said showing Emma her hand and the dragon that curled around it. Emma nodded she had seen it before but she didn't know what it meant.

—I don't know a thing about that.

—sometimes dragons chose a human they recognize as worthy as their rider, to protect them and help them with whatever they are trying to achieve, this big guy over here is my dragon.

—what's his name?— Emma asked, turning her head a little to look at Jade.

—Lyth.

—did you choose it for him?

—No, when we finish our bond with them, they reveal us their names.

Jade helped Emma stand and held her hand as they walked along the dragon's back until they got close to his head.

Emma stood there, outstretching her arms to feel the clouds between her fingers and closing her eyes to enjoy truly the sensation of the biting cold wind pushing her, of her hair whipping behind her, of the lack of stability under her feet, of Jade's frozen hand in hers.

—I have never been so afraid for my life before— Emma whispered. —at the beginning it was Lauren's life which mattered the most, then it was my sister's then Lauren's again, then yours. Never mine, not until today, my life had never been threatened before or at least I didn't see it as something worth protecting until today, I truly felt afraid for myself and that had never happened— Emma made a pause to watch the profile of Jade's face, she looked completely blank and uncaring.

Jade didn't respond to Emma's words and the white haired girl noticed how the dragon was flying lower and lower eventually settling on white covered ground below. Jade jumped off of the dragon's back and then stretched out her arms so she could get Emma down safely.

—I think that you did for me more than you think— Emma continued. —and this might be wrong but I feel like my chest is going to blow up. Lauren is in love with Amy and I'm in love with her. I know nothing, nothing but how to love Lauren and I can't deal with it because I know that we will never be together and...

Jade shut her up with a kiss, crashing her lips against Emma's and kissing her fiercely. Her hands sneaked down to grab Emma's behind and pull her up, the white haired girl's legs curling around her waist. Jade held her up with one arm while her free hand came up to cup the back of Emma's neck.

—open your mouth— Jade growled against her lips. —part your lips— she demanded, pulling Emma against her with force, their centers grinding together.

Emma did as told hesitantly, this being her second real kiss in her 19 years of life. Her eyes squeezed shut as Jade gently prodded her tongue with Emma's, tentative and aware of the girl's lack of experience. She kept her hold on Emma's neck firm, pulling her back to her lips and kissing her slowly giving her time to get used to the sensation. Jade gave her long and languid kisses, she kissed her slow and strong caressing Emma's lips, worshipping them. Worshipping her.

Jade's lips were so very smooth and cold. Red with the freezing weather. Emma tangled her fingers in Jade's hair and trying to be more daring she slipped her tongue between Jade's lips and met hers. Letting out a strangled moan when both of Jade's hands went to cup hard her butt cheeks at the same time as her tongue attacked Emma's.

Emma's back hit the trunk of a tree, making snow fall on their heads as the three shook slightly. Jade's lips moved to her throat leaving open mouthed kisses everywhere, paying close attention to the sweet spots that would make the white haired girl spin. Jade sucked the underside of her jaw, right below her ear, noticing how Emma gasped suddenly and quickly biting down, Emma's hips bucked against Jade's in reaction and a soft moan fell from her lips, making a shot pleasure travel down Jade's body. She started soothing the spot with her tongue as her hands freed Emma's legs, letting the girl to hold herself up as Jade's hands sneaked under her layers of clothes until they splayed against her warm abdomen. Emma opened her eyes as a hiss fell from her lips, goosebumps spreading as Jade's freezing hands started caressing her flesh.

Jade started sucking on Emma's pulse point as she felt her hips push against hers again. Jade's hands creeping up her chest and under her bra.

—oh god!— Emma moaned as Jade cupped her breast fully with her freezing hand, palm flat against the nipple that started hardening on contact, light shocks of pleasure traveling all around Emma's body as Jade gave her breast a gentle squeeze.

Another bite to her neck, another suck to her flesh. Jade pushed her palm harder against Emma's erect nipple, the girl whimpered again, searching desperately until she finally found Jade's lips against her own. Tongues fighting against each other, Jade's lips closed against Emma's tongue, sucking hard until the girl's brow furrowed and a whimper left her lips. Emma's blood was pumping quickly the cold of Jade's lips and hands burning her with pleasure as currents of desire exploded in her veins making one very unknown feeling to develop in her belly something down there had just started aching and was dying for attention.

After Emma's hips buckled for the third time, Jade decided to have some mercy on her and pushed one of her legs between Emma's, pushing her thigh against her center. Emma's whole body tensed, mouth open in a silent cry as sudden wave of pleasure flooded her, unconsciously starting to grind her center against Jade thigh.

Jade went back to her neck kissing Emma as her hands left her skin for minute as she opened the two jackets that Emma had on, tearing apart the sweater and in clasping the front clasp bra that she had on. Jade pulled away to look at the girls chest, her full and round breast and the freckles that were scattered on her chest. She looked intently at the pink nipples, both hard and begging for attention. Jade ignored them completely and pushed her body against Emma's their lips meeting again, the fabric of Jade's shirt rubbing against Emma's soft buds as her hands settled on her hips, unbuttoning her pants quickly after and sneaking a hand between Emma's legs right over her underwear.

Jade let out a growl against Emma's lips, bitting the bottom one harshly after feeling the heat oozing from Emma's core and the patch of wetness forming on her underwear. Jade trailed kisses down the valley between her breasts, her abdomen, hearing the girl moan louder as Jade rubbed her thigh against her center harder.

Emma trailed her hands down Jade's back attempting to reach her behind when the raven haired girl grabbed her hands and settled on her own hips, not letting her get to her destiny.

—nobody told you that it's wrong to touch a woman without her consent?— Jade whispered against Emma's ear, nibbling her earlobe and kissing right under.

—did you ask for permission to touch me?— Emma shot back, her hands reaching down Jade's back again, just to be pulled away once more.

—the thing is little Emma...— Jade started, smirking when Emma moaned, grinding against her tight, face scrunched up in pleasure. —that you are not a woman yet— Jade said, falling to her knees and bringing down Emma's pants and underwear. Jade parted Emma's legs and leaned in, letting her cool breath wash over the girl's center with every word she spoke. —but don't worry, you soon will be— after that she buried her face between the girl's legs, her tongue giving a strong lick to the hardened bud dying for attention.

Emma's eyes opened wide, head thrown back against the trunk as snow flakes fell on her face. A loud moan falling from her lips and ending up as nothing but a murmur in the harsh wind that rang among the mountains.

...

Maximum security base of the Pentagon. Stockholm, Sweden.

Draco Malfoy (Europe)
Neville Longbottom (Asia)
James Tyler (Africa)
Charles White (Australia)

There were three quick knocks on the door, Draco looked up and opened it with a wave of his wand.

—Lord Malfoy, here is the Hunter, he came with us willingly. We found him near the border between Germany and Austria, in Bavaria.

—what your men are trying to say miLord, is that I found them in their futile search for me. I don't like to be bothered so please tell me what you need from me— the man was really tall and well built, hair dirty blonde and eyes completely black, one of his eyebrows split in two by a scar.

—are you familiar with the name Jade West?— Draco asked him. Waving his wand, Draco opened a chair for him and nodded, letting the man know that he could sit.

—The cold one, you mean?— the man said a dark smirk playing in his lips, his eyes flashing with something Draco couldn't pinpoint. Malice, maybe? —what a woman she is. Raven hair, the palest of all skins, smooth, silky like. Eyes crystal blue, translucent but stormy. Always smells like lilies, coffee and mint. Cold beyond belief, ruthless, merciless, blunt, sarcastic a bit sadistic. Intelligent and more than anything sly. She's the best liar I have ever met, the way she masks everything... Beautiful. And her power, her heritage is so pure. Yes. I'm familiar with her— he finished with a smirk full of secrets.

—what is your relationship with her?

—you could say we are friends. We met a while ago. She was younger, 16 maybe?

Draco schooled his features to not show surprise, Jade had been gone for six months between her 16 and 17 birthday.

—no need to hide the surprise, I can sense it.

—so you are an empath— Draco deduced. The only other known empath was Lauren.

—among other things. But I don't think my gifts are the issue here and I won't negotiate with anyone who isn't Jade herself— the man pulled up his hood and leaned back in his chair. Draco frowned he hadn't heard from Jade since their last meeting and he didn't know if she was in shape to see anyone.

—gifts? You have more than one.

—calling me the Hunter is a mistake, I'm actually the Beacon— Draco's eyes widened and everyone in the table stiffened. —they just call me the Hunter because no one hunts people as well as I do. Honestly speaking the "Hunters" working for this kingdom are an insult to what we know as a Hunter. I'm the Beacon so yes I have more than one gift.

—aren't you supposed to have come a long time ago to help your people?— Draco asked, his face contorted in a scowl. The man simply smirked.

—that's where you are wrong Lord Malfoy. The people look for the light, the light doesn't look for the people. It doesn't surprises me that Jade's the only one intelligent enough to start the search for me— Fury was filling Draco progressively and he knew perfectly that the other man noticed. He confirmed it, though, when his booming laugh overpowered the room.

—if you are the Beacon, shouldn't you go to the Queen's side with no questions asked?

—I shall do nothing Lord Malfoy and I will do nothing without seeing Jade first. I'm surprised, I'm sure she would have wanted us to meet as soon as your men "found me"

Neville stopped Draco before he could fight back and interrupted the conversation.

—she actually did request for you to be sent to her as soon as possible— Neville said, looking pointedly at Malfoy. —we will have some of our men escort you to her location— the man laughed once again and stood up.

—I do not need to be escorted and I know where she is located— he said, his English extremely accented with his natal German language. He moved to the door and instantly two of the guards prevented his leave grabbing him roughly by both arms. —you have two seconds to tell your men to let go of me before I kill them. 1..

—let him go— Neville interrupted before another second could pass. —we expect an answer from you soon.

The man just smirked again and for a second Draco could see a small resemblance with Jade's smirk. The guards opened the door for him and he left.

...

A gasp, a soft sigh, an endless cry.

Her hips left the ground once again; her mouth was agape as her face scrunched up in pleasure. Fistfuls of snow in both her hands as she lay on her back, legs bent and parted as foreign hands became familiar. Familiar with every inch of her body, no fraction of skin was left untouched. Not her hairline and not the tips of her toes. The hands were hungry for more, were hungry for her and she was willing to be completely taken away. The curve of her calf, the expanse of her thigh, the contour of her hips, the flat of her stomach, the swell of her bosom, the definition of her collars. The softness of her back and the firmness of her behind. Everything was touched, kissed, marred with caresses, strokes. With the burning cold of the lips that incessantly danced with hers. That mapped her skin and traveled up every mountain, that worshipped and marked every peak and that went back down until every part of her body was known and every sensation that could be felt was felt and brought out until it couldn't be felt anymore.

Her body was left as a mess of trembling limbs. Her lungs barely functioning. Her mind along with her innocence completely taken away.

Her legs were gently lowered as her sight remained lost, her hearing just perceiving the wind and the howling of the trees that made company to her soft whimpers, her panting for air.

She was left cupping her center with one of her hands, aching deliciously and so unbelievably fulfilled and satisfied. The hand was removed by the one who had filled her with sensation and she couldn't help but moan lightly, her body limp as kisses kept raining on her neck and chest, bringing her down from her latest high with gentleness.

Finally she got to open her eyes, a clear sky meeting one filled with storms and making them one. Lifting her arm she weakly pulled the other close, giving her a soft and chaste kiss, tasting herself and giving away a silent thank you.

She felt more than saw the snow falling heavier, her naked skin instantly erupting in goosebumps, she was covered gently and picked up safely.

She fell asleep for a few seconds, waking up in a considerably warmer environment but still held by freezing cold arms.

The smell of soft lilies flooded her nostrils and she sighed, hissing slightly once her cold body was lowered into warm water.

She enjoyed as her whole body was washed with a soft cloth, the smell got considerably stronger as leaned back against the arm that was gently holding her up.

—Rest. Everything will be okay— a low and deep voice whispered in her ear, making her shiver unconsciously, her body falling asleep quickly after.

She woke up again in the middle of the night, clad only in some cotton boyshorts and an oversized shirt. She was in her bed, it felt deliciously warm, her body was still tingling, sensitive and a kind of sore that actually felt amazing.

She looked to the side and saw Jade laying face down on her bed, the light leaked through the window illuminating her form, sheets tangled around her legs as she slept soundly. Emma pushed her hair away from her face, white locks still wet from her bath. Her hand traveled down to her neck, still feeling every kiss placed there and every mark that later had formed.

Her train of thought faltered when she saw two vials on the bedside table completely empty. Her face contorted in worry instantly as she jumped to Jade's side, rolling her onto her back as fast as she could. Emma lowered her face to Jade's and noticed how slow her breathing was her heart beat slow and unsteady.

—fuck Jade!— Emma cursed before racing down stairs and inside the basement where all the medication was stored. She noticed how two of the strong sedatives where missing and quickly picked another potion before racing upstairs.

Emma sat next to Jade on the bed and placed her thumb under her bottom lip, opening her mouth gently and using her free hand to tilt her head up slightly while the other grabbed the vial and poured the contents down Jade's throat.

—come one! Wake up, you idiot!— Emma whispered, desperate. —you don't know a fucking thing about what you drank, do you?— she knew Jade wasn't listening but she was scared. Jade, without knowing could have overdosed.

Emma was caressing her head gently while her other hand stayed on Jade's chest counting her breaths. She suddenly felt Jade's chest convulse slightly, the sound of a gasp followed later and Jade's eyes weakly opened, dropping quickly after as the girl groaned, her face contorted in pain.

Emma sighed in relief and let Jade lay back down on the bed, pulling the covers around her tightly.

—what the hell did you do, Jade?— Emma asked, running her fingers along her forehead and watching as the young woman kept blinking quickly.

—I was feeling very drained and tired, but I couldn't sleep, so I went to take some of Lauren's sleeping potions, I took two because one usually doesn't do anything to me— Emma rolled her eyes.

—the thing is that you idiot didn't consider the fact that Lauren's potions are mixed up with other things, with really strong sedatives because sleeping potions don't work on her at all. You could have overdosed and died in your sleep and I wouldn't have noticed till the morning, finding you dead next to me. Why do you have to be such an idiot?!

—when a girl makes you come as many times as I did, you do not treat her like this— Emma blushed up to the roots of her hair.

—it was my first time you couldn't have gone easy on me, could you?— Emma said, looking anywhere but at Jade's face, she didn't need to look to know the girl was smirking.

—you are the only girl that complains for reaching the high multiple times, you don't know how lucky you are, most girls lose their V-card with disgusting dicks who just bang them until they come and then leave them there even if the girls haven't finished— Jade smirked and Emma saw her pupil dilate as she wetted her lips. —but you did finish, didn't you? Oh, you did, how many times? Do you remember? I do. Was it 3 times? No, no. How could I forget?! 4? Yeah, I'm sure. 4!

—Jade...— Emma said in warning

—you are saying it wrong— Jade arched her pierced eyebrow. —it needs to sound more throaty, breathy, add a rasp to it and a lot of need and desire, now just combine it with a moan and pair it with that face you made, eyes squeezed shut, head thrown back, mouth wide open. Just like this:— Jade contorted her face and started panting slightly, her whole body tensed as her mouth opened to release a strangled whimper and moaned version of her own name. Emma's ears were hot red as she stood up.

—you are a complete asshole!

—funny, you weren't complaining about me before— Jade wiggled her eyebrows and laughed. Emma covered her face with her hands. She looked up when Jade's laugh quieted and saw the serious look on her face. —I wasn't trying to mock you, I just wanted to lighten up the mood.

—I know. Thank you, I just needed to feel...— Emma started.

—to feel like it would be okay to be with someone that wasn't Lauren. That it wasn't wrong, that you don't have to wait anymore, that you have the right to be with someone else. That you can keep breathing without her as something more than a friend— Jade whispered, too weak to keep messing up with Emma. —it's fine, I understand. You are going to find someone to bother eventually— Emma rolled her eyes as Jade went back to being an asshole.

—if you ever feel bad again wake me up, you really could have overdosed, and you are Jade West! That'd be a really shitty death for you.

—is my actual death any less shitty?— Jade asked, turning her face to look at Emma. Her eyes seemed to cloud for a second as the expression of her face filled with melancholy. Her hand faltered its caresses on Jade's forehead.

Jade sat up, the world blurring in front of her eyes as she held onto Emma for balance. Her face was contorted in pain and her eyes were watering slightly.

Jade cupped her face gently, her cold hands pressed against Emma's warm cheeks.

—hey, hey. I'm right here, come back to me. Emma!— her eyes snapped back into focus, meeting Jade's instantly. Emma leaned forward hiding her face against her shoulder, looking for contact.

Jade patted her back awkwardly and ran her hands through her white hair.

—I won't ask about those kind of things anymore.

—it doesn't matter; I will keep seeing things anyways. There's no stopping it. Just please if you are not sure what those vials contain do not take them. I had a pretty good day and you almost ruined it. I would have had to bury your fat ass in the backyard, and I'm a terrible digger, your arrogance would have been left out of the hole to haunt us and just the thought of it is making me wanna bury myself alive— Emma tried not to laugh at the scowl on Jade's face.

—you are so not getting laid— Jade said, lying back down. —good luck finding someone who makes you come the way I do.

—it was just a one-time thing. It won't happen again— Emma said, standing up.

—the thing is that it wasn't a one-time thing— Jade smirked, arching one eyebrow —it was a 4 time thing.

—I would have been satisfied with just a one-time thing, nobody asked you to do more, and I didn't even know that it was possible to come so many times, that's just excessive.

—the plan was to make you come till you passed out, but it started to snow pretty bad and your lips were turning blue, so I had to get you back here. You were practically unconscious anyways, so I guess I'm satisfied, not like you who just keeps complaining.

—I'm not complaining!

—so you liked it— Jade smirked, looking at Emma with that look as she wiggled her eyebrows.

—I didn't say that either!— Emma shot back.

—I think I liked you better when you were begging and screaming my name— Emma huffed, exasperated. She knew she would never hear the end of it. She walked to the door, planning to leave the room. Just stopping to look at Jade over her shoulder.

—you know what, Jade? Fuck you!

—No, thanks. I rather fuck you.

And once again, Emma blushed up to the roots of her hair.

...

When Emma went back up the bedroom Jade was asleep again, but they hadn't finished lunch and she couldn't let Jade go to sleep with an empty stomach.

She knew the young woman wasn't feeling okay and that she needed to sleep, but she needed to eat too.

—Jade, Jade wake up— Emma shook her gently. Sleepy eyes barely opened before they fell shut again.

Emma sighed, almost upset for waking Jade up. She left the tray on the bedside table and sneaked her arms under Jade's back, pulling her up and to a sitting position against the headboard.

Jade groaned lightly, her eyes blinking open again and looking back at Emma's.

—you need to eat. I brought you some cereal and I made that fruity smoothly you like.

—I feel like I'm going to vomit if I look at it— Jade said, Emma frowned, pulling out her wand to do a quick check up on Jade with her wand. Her blood pressure came back worryingly low, that's why she was feeling so weak and nauseous.

—eat half of everything and tomorrow I will make that coffee milkshake you like— still half asleep, Jade accepted. Emma started feeding her, stopping when she saw that Jade was falling asleep again.

She laid Jade down and covered her up to her neck.

—if you continue to feel bad, wake me up, okay?— Jade nodded weakly, passing out a second later. Emma sighed and brushed some strands of hair away from her face. She knew that Jade would have to go back to work soon and she wasn't ready for such a strain, she didn't need all that pressure.

She finished the cereal and the smoothie and then went back to bed, she looked at the clock to her side, it was almost midnight. Amy and Lauren must be just landing in Paris.

...

—Belle?— Amy felt herself being shaken awake by someone. A groan didn't wait to leave her lips. —come on, belle. We just landed— the meaning of the words didn't really register in her mind. She squeezed her eyes shut and pulled her blanket tighter against her body. —okay, remember that you brought this upon yourself— soft strands of hair tickled her nose and warm breath washed over her neck, goosebumps erupted in her skin immediately as tender lips came in contact with her skin. Another groan escaped as those lips sucked on her pulse point her hands coming alive and bringing that person closer, a body draped gently over hers as hand started caressing her sides. Amy sighed, the weight on top of her felt amazing and the way those hands were caressing her side was just blissful.

Suddenly her neck was hungrily bitten; her eyes snapped open a hiss fluttering out of her lips as a soothing tongue caressed the bitten skin.

Amy grabbed Ren's face, taking her away from her neck and pulling her forcefully to her mouth. Their lips collided with force as Amy kissed her with need, burying one of her hands in Ren's hair and pulling on it slightly. The veela was burning in her veins and she could feel the thrall enveloping them both as Ren's body shook and Amy's brain shut down with desire. One of her hands traveled down Ren's back, cupping her butt hard enough to leave hand prints behind. A soft grunt rumbled on Ren's chest and it drove Amy crazy, her teeth nibbling at Ren's bottom lip and biting down, sucking on it and giving it a slight pull. The hand on Ren's hair came down to accompany the other, both gripping tightly her behind and pulling down so their hips could meet, the sudden friction making Ren gasp and give Amy chance to sneak her tongue inside her mouth. The contact made the veela spin, bucking her hips up against Ren's as she continued to kiss her hard.

Ren's mind was completely clouded; the thrall was assaulting her body, filling it with warmth and arousal, taking away every ounce of self-control she possessed. She curled her arms around Amy's back and pulled her up, making the blonde girl straddle her lap as her hands freed Ren's behind to sneak under her sweater, warm fingers splayed over smooth skin as Ren shuddered, the sensation of curious fingertips traveling up and down her spine lighting up her skin as her own hands caressed Amy's thighs. Her lips traveled down Amy's cheek and towards her neck, kissing hotly the hollow of her throat as she held onto Amy's hips, helping her grind down against her own.

Someone cleared their throat rather loudly. Ren pulled Amy down and against her body, their hips colliding one more time as she curled her arms around Amy's back, holding her in a protective embrace as she let her forehead rest against Amy's chest, fighting to catch her breath.

Amy had turned her face sharply to the side, her hands tense on Ren's shoulders, her eyes glowing blue in the darkness, she wasn't uncomfortable or embarrassed after being caught and she knew she normally would have been, but she wasn't. She was angry because of the interruption and it wasn't like her at all, she didn't know what was going on.

A flight attendant. Now Amy knew what blue balls meant.

—it's cold outside; I recommend you put on some warmer clothes. Your family is waiting. The lights of the plane are about to turn on— as if on cue, the insides of the jet lit up, making Amy's eyes hurt. She closed them and felt Ren's comforting arms tightening around her as the girl trailed light innocent kisses up the side of her throat and cheek.

—let's change, your parents are waiting for us— Amy unwillingly pulled away from Ren.

She put on her boots and an olive green trench coat.

—is it waterproof?— Ren asked

—I don't think so, no— Amy answered and looked at Ren with a slight frown.

—switch with me— Ren said, taking off her black raincoat and giving it to Amy. The blonde girl took off her coat and gave it to Ren. Who ended up looking as amazing as always in her black boots, black tight pants, grey sweater and Amy's olive green trench coat.

—why?— Amy couldn't help but ask as she put on Ren's black raincoat.

—you'll see, belle— Ren said while walking towards Amy and closing the coat for her, after that she got a beanie from her back and secured it on Amy's head. —there's nothing worse than having a cold head— she whispered, right before kissing Amy's forehead. Warmth spread to the blonde's body, she leaned forward and buried her head on Ren's neck.

—is too late to go back now, isn't it?

—it is— Ren smiled, kissing the top of her head. —I know this city like the plan of my hand. We could escape this airport and have an adventure just the two of us, but I know that there's nothing to be afraid of, your parents love you, they just want some cuddles, you know?— Ren chuckled slightly. —don't be nervous, I'm with you every step of the way, I'm here— Amy nodded against Ren's neck, leaving a kiss there before pulling away.

Ren took Amy's hand with her bandage one and with the other grabbed both their backpacks and let them fall to her shoulder. Amy glared at her and tried to take them away from her, but Lauren didn't let her, she just pulled Amy's hand and held her close as they make their way around the huge airport. In front of them was man guiding them through the airport, he had their suitcases; they were both small, nothing but clothes for a few days inside.

—inside it isn't that cold, just wait until we go out. We just have to go through those doors; your parents must be waiting out there.

And waiting they were, they looked lost and quite funny holding a huge poster with her name on it and waving it around, it was impossible not to see it. People around were also looking at them weirdly.

With his free arm her father was holding a huge teddy bear almost as talk as Amy who smiled when she saw that the bear was dressed in a doughnut shirt.

There was a blur of blonde hair and suddenly arms were hugging her tight.

—finally! I thought you would never come! What took you so long?— Gabrielle said, hugging Amy tight. Amy hugged her little sister back until she pulled away and kissed both Amy's cheeks. Amy was blushing, remembering what had taken them so long.

—Gabrielle darling, I sure your sister just got lost in the airport— Madame Delacour said with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling. The mother turned her face to look at Lauren and flickered her own nose, Lauren's eyes widened and her face went impossible red. Amy watched confused as her mother just laughed.

—how was the flight, darling?— her mother said, coming close and giving her a soft hug. Amy melted. Her scent, the way it felt, being in her arms was protection, safety. Her mother was a very tall woman, easily holding Amy with her head atop her daughter's, rubbing her hand gently up and down her back while the other caressed the back of her head. —knowing that you were flying in a metal box for so long didn't let me sleep. I don't understand why those without magic like it so much— Apolline kissed Amy's head tenderly and pulled away, still keeping her close and cupping her face. Amy saw her green eyes jumping around her face, looking for so kind of distress and taking the opportunity to caress her cheeks with her thumbs.

—I'm okay. The flight was really good. Ren told me that it would be morning when we got here so I slept through most of it— Amy's mother smiled and turned her face to look at Lauren, who was greeting her father.

—is she being a good girlfriend? Is she treating you well?— Apolline asked, Amy's face went red.

—oh no! No! We are not girlfriends. She's amazing and she treats me well, but there's nothing else between us— her mother arched both eyebrows.

—really? I'm sorry, darling— she didn't look apologetic at all. —I just assumed you were together because of that fresh loving mark that is adorning so beautifully your neck... Among other things— if Amy could blush more, she would have. Her hand shot to her neck.

—among other things?

—the way she looks at you, of course. She can't keep her eyes off of you, at least that's what it seems— and sure enough when Amy look to the side, she met Lauren's eyes, smiling back at her.

—I don't know what we are, I'd be lying if I said we are just friends.

—then go get the girl— Apolline told her, giving Amy a small push for emphasis.

—is not that easy—Amy said, her mother chuckled, hugging Amy by the shoulders and pulling her towards her father.

—it actually is— her mother winked. And let her go so her father could envelop her in tight hug.

She was wary of him, the man she had thought to be her father had abandoned her, and she was scared that this man would do the same. But his smile was so big and his eyes so playful and he looked at her mother in such a way... Amy didn't know what to think.

—princess! I'm so glad you are here— then he started whispering. —your mother has been complaining about the plane all morning. I love that woman, but...— he pulled away and made a face. Amy chuckled. —I got this for you, do you like him?— he asked, giving the big teddy bear to Amy, it was all soft and cuddly. —it's for when we are apart, so you don't forget your old man— Amy's heart swelled.

—I love it, it's really cute. Thank you— her father smiled back at her and gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead.

—Madame Delacour— Lauren greeted, bowing slightly.

—don't be silly child, I know. Come here— Apolline hugged her tightly and kissed both her cheeks. Pulling away from Lauren and taking her hands on hers. Instantly noticing the bandage around one of her hands. —what happened?

—nothing, everything just got to me and I just lost it.

—you lycans and your amazing ways of handling things— the woman muttered without malice. She took the bandage off Lauren's hand and examined it gently. —you should have gone to a professional for this, your knuckles were badly shattered, they have healed but not properly— she looked up at Lauren her eyes glowing blue as warmth flooded her hand, invisible tendrils of magic mending every shattered bone, mangled muscle and damaged nerve.

—thank you— Lauren said, fisting her hand and opening it again, feeling absolutely no pain.

—don't worry child, things are going to work out.

—I'll protect her, I'll keep her safe.

—I know— Apolline cupped her face with her hands. —don't worry, I know.

—how is the security here?

—there are guards, hunters and unspeakables everywhere, they will be following closely.

—why not lycans or veelas?

—you know that we veela make quite the impact on men and you lycans smell too strongly, your scent would be too easy to follow— Lauren nodded in understanding.

They started walking outside, the cold hitting them in the face as they rushed to the car.

During the ride Gabrielle pointed everything to Amy, while the girl enjoyed the view, her parents telling her that they would visit some places later.

—now we are going to have breakfast in a restaurant near the apartment we are staying in, for the next few days we are doing some sightseeing here in Paris and then we are going to the house we live in.

—you got an apartment just because I was coming?— Amy asked, baffled.

—oh no darling, that would have been too excessive. Hermione owned an apartment here for some reason. We would have stayed in a hotel otherwise.

After a while they parked near the Café Constant. Amy was mesmerized by the city; the architecture was so exquisite, beautiful and pristine. She could spend hours just standing there looking at a random building our house.

They entered the café and Amy noticed it was empty, they sat down and the menus were quickly offered to them, her father and Lauren spoke in quick French to the waitress who smiled at them and left, coming back minutes later with a bottle of wine and four glasses, serving the wine to everyone but Amy. Then the waitress looked at Amy and spoke to her, giving her a smile before leaving. Amy just turned to Lauren.

—I ordered a cup of hot chocolate for you; she was just telling you that it will be here shortly.

—isn't it a little bit early for wine?

—in my personal opinion, it is never too early for wine. And we are in France, there is some good wine here, I'm not missing my chances. For my experience with the Delacours, which is not much, I have been able to pick up that they love it almost as much as I do.

The hot chocolate arrived and Amy took a small sip, leaning towards Lauren and whispering in her ear.

—yours is way better— Amy said, kissing Lauren's red cheek right after.

—so Amy, why don't you tell us a bit about you? What do you like to do?— her little sister eagerly asked.

—well I don't do much, I just hang out with my friends, eat a lot of doughnuts and watch films and documentaries in Netflix.

—and what is Netflix?— her father asked, looking confused but extremely curious.

Amy looked at Lauren, who just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

—were you could say that it is a website where you can see a lot of movies and tv shows.

—oh, so it has to do with that internet thing Hermione told us about— her father said, looking excited. —but I don't understand, I thought you just watched movies at the movie theater.

—you can watch it on the movie theater but also on the computer or the tv, with Netflix you can watch them whenever you want.

—why don't you feel us about your friends, darling?— Apolline jumped in, knowing that her husband would just keep asking about non magical things.

—I don't have many, until this year it was just my best friend Karma and I, we have known each other since kindergarten, but now I also have this friend called Shane, my step sister and Lauren.

—since kindergarten? She must be a great friend, we should meet her sometime, don't you think, love?— Benjamin asked.

—I think we already know her— her mother asked and Amy wondered how she could look so angry without frowning. —that's the girl who tried to hit our child, right in front of us— her father didn't wait to frown.

—she was just going through a very bad moment. We usually are very honest with each other, the fact that I hid such a very important part of my life from here really hurt her— both her parents stayed quiet and impassive.

—I'm sorry darling, but we are still waiting for the part of the story that makes her action reasonable or at least understandable.

Amy lowered her eyes, she didn't know what to say.

—she may have had all the problems in the world, but a real friend would put them on hold and at least listen before judging. We don't know her at all honey, and she must be a good person if she's your friend, but to me she gave the impression of being very self-centered and selfish. She didn't give your feelings a second thought— her mother said moving her hand over the table to hold Amy's.

—I agree with your mother darling. To me it just shows how good you are, you love her and accept her with her mistakes and flaws, that's truly a very beautiful trait to have— Benjamin spoke, smiling at his child. He suddenly seemed to trail off and reached to give a small caress to Amy's rosy cheek
—the cold still makes you turn as red as it did when you were little. Even if you were born on the last day of spring and the first of summer, you always loved the snow fall.

Her mother chuckled and looked at her husband.

—do you remember the first time she saw the show falling?— she laughed happily and so did Benjamin.

—you were still very little so you didn't understand the concept of windows, you wanted to go and figure out what those white little balls falling from the sky were. You ran straight to the window

—and fell back as soon as you crashed against it— her mother continued. —Fleur got so mad at us because we let that happen, and then when we took you outside to play with the snow, your cheeks and your nose got rosy, just as they are doing right now, but you were so happy, you loved to play with the snow.

—but nothing matched the face you put when you saw the flowers beginning to bloom.

All through breakfast Amy listened to her parents speaking about her, telling her long stories of the little time they had together. Making very detailed descriptions of what she liked and disliked, of what made her happy and what didn't.

Amy was completely blown away, her parents spoke about her as if she was the biggest treasure they had, and they were so connected with each other, laughing at what the other said and finishing each other's sentences and thoughts. Her parents loved one another, and they loved their children. Farrah and Bruce loved each other but it wasn't like this, like what she was seeing and listening right now.

Amy couldn't help but notice how they were always touching, very subtly but very intimately. They were grownups, their public display of affection wasn't much but it was there, they glanced at each other very constantly, short glances, just to make sure the other was there. Her father always made sure that her mother's wine glass stayed full, and her mother often let her hand rest on his shoulder or in his forearm.

And the way they looked at her. Amy couldn't explain how it felt. She could almost feel the painful longing in her mother's eyes and everything they had missed. Amy had seen her eyes water many times though their story telling and it gave her such a nostalgic feeling of what could have been, of the life she could have lived.

After a while they left the restaurant but instead of going back to the car, they started walking calmly, enjoying the very few hours of sun they would getting.

After the short walk Amy saw the Eiffel Tower standing proud and tall right in front of her. Amy didn't know if it was because her father's arm was around her, telling her how he had met her mother when he was still a young and stupid wizard who knew nothing about women. He didn't know if it was the way his grey eyes shone and his voice remained deep and light as his free arm kept Amy's younger sister close to him. Amy didn't know if it was because how he blatantly loved her, how he blatantly loved his family, but suddenly the magnificent tower wasn't what left her breathless.

She wasn't really paying attention to Lauren or where she was, not until the girl stood in front of them, camera in hand. A second later her father was nodding eagerly, pulling his wife closer as they kept Gabrielle and Amy between them, tightly close. Amy noticed that she wasn't taking them with the camera that Jade gave her for Christmas, it was another one, and it was an analog camera too.

The tower was behind them as the picture was taken. Amy's smile was happy, genuine and as real as the delight her parents were feeling. Gabrielle decided by herself to step away, her parents hugging Amy from both sides as another picture was taken of just the three of them.

She took various pictures of Amy without her noticing and of Amy with the rest of her family. She took pictures of the people around them and of the beautiful scenery, while Amy stayed enchanted by her parents.

After a long wait they finally reached the second floor that let Amy with wide eyes. The second floor had a panoramic view over Paris and she was stunned to say the least, it was beautiful. Nothing mattered not even the cold air, could take away the beauty of what she was seeing.

Apolline gently nudged Amy in Lauren's direction. The emerald eyes girl was looking through her back, taking her camera out and changing the lenses, taking shots if the view and of anything that caught her attention.

—go talk to her for a little while, your dad and I will be okay without you for a few minutes. She has been tense since she got here; maybe you go and try to make her relax a bit. Go warm her up, we won't see a thing— her mom winked at her and gave her a slight push.

Amy stood right behind her, a slight gush of wind made tips of Ren's hair caress gently Amy's face before falling down. Amy let her arms circle Ren's waist, leaning her body against her front and leaving a string of soft kisses down the length of her neck.

—you okay?— Amy asked. Ren let her camera go, hanging around her neck. Amy's hand quickly came to take her own and interlock their fingers.

—I don't know how your hands get to stay so warm in this weather— Ren's hands squeezed Amy's gently, she was cold her fingers were a bit stiff and red.

—I don't know either, but I'm glad I'm able to keep yours warm— Ren smiled and turned around in Amy's arms. Her dad was right, her cheeks sported a soft blush and the tip of her nose was red, her light green eyes were light and happy. She looked beautiful.

Ren was hesitant and tense, the distress in her eyes barely concealed by the tender look she was giving Amy.

—what's wrong?— Amy asked.

—this place just brings some bad memories, the fact that I'm in the same city as they are, and that I could see them walking down the street...— Ren trailed off, her eyes darkening. Amy could almost see the memories going through her head.

—maybe you are looking at it the wrong way. This is not only the place where they hurt you, this is also the place where you met Bastien. This is the place where you met Jade— Amy took a deep breath when she noticed that Lauren was actually considering her words. —try to remember the good times or simply don't remember at all, it's our turn to make memories— Ren smiled and nodded softly. —I think I have a pretty good idea for our first memory

—really?— Ren asked. —what is it?

Amy pulled Ren closer by the waist, leaning close and almost hearing Ren's breath hitch.

—I'm going to kiss you

—why?

—because we are standing in the Eiffel Tower, with a panoramic view of Paris right in front of us. My brain is running out of neurons trying to decide what is more beautiful, the view or you. But I think my heart already made that decision. So, I'm going to kiss you.

—kiss me— Lauren breathed out.

Amy took a few minutes to take in every single feature on Lauren's face. She kissed one cheek, then the other, kissing both corners of her mouth before finally bringing their lips together.

Their noses bumped together and Amy couldn't help but smile, Ren smiled against her mouth and nuzzled her nose against Amy's. The blonde chuckled and could only give Ren soft pecks between chuckles. Lauren was deeply endeared as she pressed her lips against Amy's gently for a few seconds before the young girl will burst in chuckles against her mouth. Ren laughed, embracing the girl and giving chaste, playful pecks to her neck, keeping Amy laughing for as long as possible before the blonde cupped her cheeks and kissed her soundly, languid and slow, her laughter coming back against Ren's lips.

Ren's heart felt fuzzy and so very warm, palpitations going a mile per minute, her mind swirling as she tasted happiness in Amy's lips. The blonde curled her arms around Ren's shoulders, her eyes shut as her cheeks got redder with her laughs, Ren's lips still brushing against her own. Their kisses always made Ren feel like she was gracing the sky with the tips of her fingers, but this was something else.

—I'm so happy. They are so amazing and loving, and they love me— Amy's eyes were so bright, her gaze so alight, it made Ren shiver. —and you...— Amy whispered, looking up at Lauren with such a tender in her eyes, with amazement and so much wonder, she still couldn't believe someone as her existed. —you are here— She cupped Ren's face gently, her fingers gracing her temples gently, one of them sneaking into her hairline and caressing the scar hidden there. —as you promised you'd be, as you always are. I'm so lucky to have you, I don't know what I'd do if I didn't.

—Don't worry— Ren said, kissing Amy's lips gently. —you won't have to figure it out.

Amy smiled, hiding her face against Ren's neck and hugging tightly.

They changed their positions so they could admire the breathtaking view of Paris while staying enveloped in each other's arms, Amy's head resting on Ren's shoulders.

—girls?— They turned to see Amy's mother smiling at them. —we still have a lot to see here, let's go.

They made the tour inside the Eiffel Tower and went to the shops were Amy bought some gifts for her friends and her other parents.

When they left they had spent most of the morning there, none of them were terribly hungry so they decided to eat later and go somewhere else.

They drove to the Louvre Museum and Amy noticed that Ren was excited, it was a place that she obviously liked and Amy noticed why without entering. Seeing it through pictures was one thing, but in person was a another. The glass pyramid was incredible to see to say the least and Amy wasn't the most art invested person, but knowing what was inside was enough to make her feel excited.

They roamed around for a few minutes. Ren was taking the opportunity to take as many pictures as possible. Including some of Amy with her family.

—why don't you take one of Amy and you together?— Apolline suddenly asked. —you haven't taken one of the two of you, I'm sure that if you teach use how to use that thing we will be able to take the photo— Ren knew she couldn't deny when Amy's father was already beaming at the prospect of learning how to use the non-magical camera.

Ren spent a few minutes teaching Amy's father and then stood next to Amy the glass pyramid visible behind them. Amy curled her arms around Ren's waist, feeling how the older girl pulled her close by the shoulders and smiling towards the camera, she could feel Ren's eyes burning the side of her face.

—here it goes, 1, 2, click!— the picture was taken. Ren took her camera back as they made their way inside the museum.

They made their way out amazed and hungry. They went to a restaurant to get some food and decided to have a picnic in the Luxembourg gardens, getting there just with enough light from the dim sun to enjoy the sight of the place, even in winter it was beautiful, Amy could just imagine how it looked during spring.

They sat eating for a while before starting to walk around the massive gardens. Gabrielle telling her everything about her school, Beauxbatons. And as she listened to her sister telling her stories about the school, the magic, the things she had learned and the slight insecurity she had of not filling Fleur's shoes, the oldest of the Delacours sister being the best student of her generation, Amy couldn't help but wonder who would she be if she had gone to that school, to the school she would have gone to if she hadn't being taken from her parents, to the magnificent palace that was more than 700 hundred years old and that in structure and architecture as well as in education was better than the other two magical schools in Europe, to the school where during winter big sculptures made of ice never melted and nymphs sang during diner, to the school were education was so good that by sixth year the students already knew how to make wandless and soundless spells, which was extremely difficult and almost impossible for some people.

Amy didn't know how to feel about it, there was something inside that didn't feel quite alright. Fleur apparently was the best student Beauxbatons has seen in decades and Gabrielle was set in following her footsteps. Amy on the other hand has never been really interested in school and her mother has never been very interested or pushy about her grades. Gabrielle told her how they both were raised to always give their best and how always their achievements even the smallest ones were cheered and clapped upon by her parents, how they took pride in their daughters achievements more than anything else, without placing a great amount of pressure on them.

Her sister just stopped talking when a raindrop fell on her nose, they both looked up to see hundreds of droplets about to fall upon them. Amy felt she one come from behind her and pulling up her hood, covering her head from the rain instantly.

She turned to see Ren, her head and the top of her shoulders beginning to get wet as she refused to out her hood up, throwing her head back and letting the rain fall on her face. The Delacour parents and Gabrielle were secure under a umbrella while Lauren let herself get wet.

—you could have stopped this...—Gabrielle mumbled.

—rain is necessary, I have no intention of stopping it— Ren responded and Amy widened her eyes.

—you can stop the rain?!— Lauren just shrugged and leaned forward to whisper in Amy's ear.

—do you remember our... Kiss in the rain?— Amy nodded. —well, it wasn't just casualty, I made it happen.

—you did?!

—yes, darling. Lauren here is quite gifted— her mother said, giving Amy a pointed look while accentuating the last word. —maybe we should go to the apartment, it's getting dark anyways and we have walked a lot, we can cook something together and have dinner.

They all agreed and after Lauren dried herself they got into the car and drove away, stopping a long while later in the inside parking lot of a building.

Amy noticed right away that Lauren was upset, her brow was furrowed.

—are you having bad thoughts again?— Amy asked in whisper.

—no, I just feel like I've been here before, my head is hurting a bit and I can't help but feel that I know this place— Amy frowned and held Lauren's hand, taking her to an elevator that took them to the highest floor on the building.

When Amy got in she noticed right away that it wasn't an apartment, it was more like a loft, with big windows almost in every wall available. The color scheme Amy could notice was very Lauren-like. Dark and light wood tones combined with black and maroon, bits of other colors like green, grey, beige and white strewn everywhere around, it was beautiful hand exquisite, comfortable and minimalistic.

She felt Lauren's hand sweaty in her own and turned to her. The girl had her eyes tightly closed and was clutching her head with her free hand.

—hey, hey what's wrong?

—my head, it hurts...— Lauren said as Amy's mother quickly came and walked her to one of the sofas, taking Lauren's cloak off and helping her sit down, covering her with a blanket and taking off her shoes. —I can't shake off the feeling that I have been here before. It feels like something is fighting inside my head.

Mme. Delacour held her face in her hands and tried to tilt it up.

—child, has this happened before?

—Yes, all the time. I suffer from migraines, but this feels different. Usually my temples and my forehead hurt really bad, sometimes it just takes one side of my face and after the day of solstice, me head has been hurting worse, but this isn't like that, now the lower part of the my head is hurting, reaching my neck.

—I'm going to check you up, okay?— Ren didn't dare to move her head. —I need you to look into my eyes, come on honey— Mme. Delacour whispered, looking right into the emerald pulls right in front of her.

The pain she could perceive once she made it inside Ren's head made her psychically shake. The base of her head was pulsing and throbbing, stabbing and electrifying sensations going all through her head. This pain whatever it was and wherever it came from was making Ren develop a real migraine.

Amy's mother was also impressed because beside her slightly furrowed brows, Ren didn't show any kind of pain; she was grounded and controlled, swallowing her pain.

Apolline suddenly gasped, finding the reason of her pain and pulling out of Ren's mind as quick as she could. The emerald eyed girl had closed her eyes, trying to breathe deeply and keep her features schooled.

Amy watched worried as her mother started singing, her eyes turning blue as veela reacted to its mother singing. Lauren's expression went slack as she looked into Apolline's glowing blue eye with a dazed expression, her pupils blown as she stared, her body going limp against the cushions as her eyes stayed locked with the ones of Amy's mother. Apolline started running her fingers along Ren's hair, as her singing slowly made the girl's eyes start dropping, her breathing evening out.

Mme. Delacour held her head so Ren wouldn't hurt herself and gently picked her up, treating her lovingly, as if she was her own child.

Amy followed her mother around the loft; there were some open sliding doors which led to one of the bedrooms. The mother laid Ren down and then turned to Amy.

—darling, tell your father to bring her suit case here— the last thing Amy wanted to do was to leave Ren, but she felt as she should obey her mother.

She came back to the room with her father behind her. The kind man left the suitcase in the floor and shared a knowing look with her mother.

Amy just watched, as her mother changed Ren quietly and with gentleness a devoted expression showing on her face.

Amy sat next to Ren on the free side of the bed, holding her hand and watching as her mother took out her wand.

—why are you so kind with her?— Amy couldn't help but ask. —she has told me about the fight between our races, she told me we aren't supposed to help them.

—fight? More like war. There is no longer one single lycan with French blood. We wiped them out of our territory. The lycans that now reside in France come from other places, they have come with time. They swore that they would avenge their fallen ones, but they haven't because our Queen is a lycan, we would have gone to war with them by now, but we can't— Apolline spoke while waving her wand around Ren's body.

—but why did we killed them, did we start this war?— Amy asked, perplexed.

—oh no, darling. They started it and maybe they didn't know what they were doing at the time, but that doesn't take away the atrocity in their actions.

—but what did they do?— Amy asked again.

Apolline looked up into her daughter's eyes, her expression chilling Amy's blood and making her want to scape. It was devastated and filled with so much horror.

—centuries ago, when the first veela clan resided in the wide forests of France along with lycans, werewolves, vampires, centaurs and every other magical creature you can imagine. A young girl, around 17 years old made her apparition. She was a human without magic and she had gotten lost, losing her way from the small community of non-magical people she lived in and into the forest her parents had told her to keep away from— Apolline paused, looking at her daughter straight in the eyes.

Amy was in an almost trance-like state, her heart accelerated, palpitations filling her body completely as everything inside of her started filling tight, her breathing was hard and her brow drenched with sweat, she felt like she had heard the story before. She felt apprehension, because even if she couldn't find the end of the story in her mind, her heart knew and she didn't know why.

—scared behind belief the girl tried to find a way out of the forest, she ran and ran for days, only getting deeper and deeper into the mass of trees. One day she couldn't stay standing any longer, she fell down, exhausted and passing out. She woke up to feel harsh puffed of air falling on her face and once she opened her eyes she only saw canines, dark fur and hungry silver eyes. Spit was dipping on her face as the creature stalked its prey. It let her run, just to enjoy chasing her. She was too weak and dehydrated, dark spots danced in her vision and she could do nothing but fall again, resigned to her fate. The canines came close, putrid breath falling on her face as she closed her eyes. The forest seemed to still, not even the murmur of wind was heard the rustling of the leaves came to an abrupt stop as the ground prepared for the blood that would be spilled, as the sky watched how an innocent live would be taken as trees cried the loss with sorrow— Apolline stopped, regarded her daughter's agonic expression and forcing herself to keep going. —when the blood finally fell the girl felt it dripping on her stomach, warm and thick, comforting her in the cold of the night. She never noticed the blood wasn't hers, not until she woke up to look into the eyes of her savior; light green eyes were looking down at her, so very clear and pure. The girl knew she had found her home. And the veela who saved her knew she had found her mate.

Amy gasped.

—the girl never went back home— Gabrielle's voice interrupted. —she had found the place were she belonged in silvery blonde hair, white skin and light green eyes. She had found her home in the head of the veela clan, the woman who had saved her from dying at the hands of a lycan. A veela who instantly had recognized her and taken her in, taken her home. Next to the river, under the starts and among trees, the girl found her home, her eternal lover.

—they were blissfully happy for a few months, but the pride of a lycan had been wounded and it wouldn't let its prey g, the veela hadn't killed him. With the members of it's pack they hunted the girl until they found their chance to attack. It was in a warm summer night when the girl was taken and stripped of everything she held dear. The men changed into their humans form and before harming her, they took her, each one of them took her, used her. They took away the most important thing she had, the part of her that she was saving for her veela, for her eternal lover— Apolline continued, watching her daughter cry silently, for some reason Amy's eyes had moved and where now locked on Ren's sleeping face.

—that summer night the wind screamed in rage as pure soul was teared apart, the ocean waves crashed against the shore as the ground shook with fury the sound of the girl breaking, drowning them all as the beasts tortured her, leaving her to die alone in the middle of the forest. When they finished they let out howls of victory and simply left…— Gabrielle sighed in pain. —Meanwhile, the veela, knowing something was wrong with her mate, tried to get to her as soon as possible, her desperation growing when she heard the howls in the distance. She did everything in her power to get to her mate, but it was too late— Gabrielle finished, moving to sit at foot of the bed.

—the young girl was fading, her eyes closed as her chest heaved for air. Blood staining the grass under her uncovered, mangled body. The veela cradled her close, pleading her lover to open her eyes just one more time. She did, and they looked deeply into each other's eyes until the light in the younger girl's faded completely, her eyes closing just when her mate closed them for her— Apolline looked at Amy, who had laid down on Lauren's chest, hugging her tight and never stopping her silent tears. She saw also how the frown on Lauren's face disappeared one she felt Amy's body against her own, she smiled.

—in her rage the veela ordered her clan to kill every single lycan they saw, and they did, because the mate of their leader had been raped and brutally killed. Their leader, the person who took care of them was left as a shell of a person, was left unhappy and without a heart. Love, true love is the most pure an important thing for us, what they did is unforgivable and they had to pay the price.

—can you leave alone with her for a few minutes— Amy said, her voice quiet and broken as she buried her face in Ren's shirt.

The mother simply nodded and left the room as did Gabrielle, leaving them both alone.

Amy cupped the side of Ren's face gently. There was something oppressing her chest painfully, she didn't know what it was and she couldn't explain what was going, but so how she already knew that story.

She didn't know why her mother had done to Lauren, but she was completely unresponsive to her touch. Amy moved to hide in Lauren's neck, wetting her skin with her tears.

Her hand had been lying on Ren's chest and her deep breathing was slowly calming her down, she dedicated her time to just be with her in silence, to enjoy her presence and get the most out of it. She pulled away slightly, surprised when Ren didn't react.

—I don't care about the war between our races, I will never look at you differently, you are my wonder, and if this fight between veelas and lycans gets bad again, I will protect you, I promise. They will respect you and treat you as you deserve, if they want me they will have to accept you— Amy whispered in Ren's ear. —because simply, you are me too— Amy sighed out, looking at Ren's face, regarding her sleeping face with tenderness and gently leaning down to kiss her lips sweetly.

She pulled away after a few seconds, letting her forehead rest against hers, kissing her jaw gently and covering her with the warm sheets, giving her one last look before leaving the room.

Her mother, sister and father were all in the kitchen cooking together, she wouldn't be of any hell in there so see just sat near then and spoke to her mother.

—you didn't answer my question. If all of that happened between our races why do you treat her so well?

—she's been taking really good care of you and she loves you, I respect that. It's been a really long time seen I have seen someone who loves that hard, it's impressive— her mother answered. For some reason Amy thought that she was keeping something to herself

—Hermione has told us her story, the girl has suffered enough, giving her a hard time doesn't seem like the right thing to do— her father said.

—and a lycan attacked her, she shouldn't be one of them, she just was at the wrong place at the wrong time. She's lucky to be alive— Gabrielle finished.

Amy stood up from her chair and grabbed her mother hand.

—can I talk to you in private?— the woman simply nodded and walked to the living with her child.

—did you find something wrong in the check up? Amy asked.

—yes, but don't worry is nothing life threatening— she said quickly. Amy motioned for her to continue. —there are spells applied on her.

—what?— Amy didn't understand.

—someone made spells on her, blocking spells.

—what the...— Amy stopped herself before cursing in front of her mother. —what the heck are you talking about?! What are they blocking?

—Memories. In her mind there are spells blocking things that happened in the past, they are preventing her from remembering, something here must have triggered it. They are trying to get out, pushing against the barriers that keep them blocked, it's very painful, and that's why I put her to sleep. This shouldn't be happening, but she has the mark of Athena, she can do things that regular people can't.

—the mark of Athena? What's that?— Amy asked, she was having a really hard time following, she knew nothing about magic, just the few spells Ren had thought her and no more.

—yes, haven't you seen the owl in her upper arm?— her mother asked, Amy nodded, she had always thought it was a tattoo.

—what's gonna happen to her now?

—I honestly don't know, but there is something here making those memories want to come out, and I don't think it's gonna be something pleasant.

Amy covered her eyes with one of her hands in exasperation

—is that it?

—there are glamour charms also

—what?— Amy didn't expect her mother to say anything else.

—she made them herself, they help change someone's appearance, factions, skin color, eye color, the hair, the height.

—she doesn't look like this?

—no, her spells are all over her body, changing her skin mostly. She's covering something, you should just let her show you when she's ready— Amy nodded, looking down. —let's go have dinner, okay? Whatever is gonna happen we won't be able to avoid it— Amy sighed and followed her mother, getting herself involved in the light conversation they were having and always keeping an ear on the other room

—Darling, your mother and I got this computer thing. Hermione told us that we would be able to speak to you anytime with it, can you teach us?

—sure, right after dinner.

—excuse me— Gabrielle said suddenly, blushing and standing from the table quickly. A small mirror in her hand. Amy heard her father huff, her mother simply smiled.

—that boy...— her father muttered. —she's just a little girl...

—so was Fleur when she met Hermione— her mother said.

—Fleur was 17, Hermione was the little girl and that didn't stop your daughter from closing her bond with her.

—this is different, he is a boy, an older boy, you know what he wants. He may be her mate, but what if he only wants...

—he is her mate and you know there is key factor with him, he loves her as much as she loves him— Apolline said, looking at her husband.

—wait a second, Gabrielle mated already?— Amy asked, surprised.

—she has found her mate, they aren't mated yet, the final stage hasn't been completed and the second one hasn't either.

—how can you be so sure?— Amy's father asked.

—I think that if my daughter made love for the first time I would know, I'm her mother and I'm veela, I will know even before she tells me.

—wait, the second stage is having sex?— Amy asked, trying to get her mother's eyes to meet her own.

—No. You can have sex with anyone. The second stage is completed when you make love with your mate— Apolline said, Amy nodded. —let's go see how the computer works before your father collapses from trying to hear your sister's conversation.

Amy ended up in her parents' bedroom, sitting between them and showing them how to use Skype in the computer and later on, how to use Netflix.

They were watching a movie when Amy started feeling tired, her eyes dropping as she fell asleep with her head leaning on her mother's shoulder.

...

Amy was snapped awake when agonic screams filled the bedroom, with her head in her throat she jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs, tripping in the last few steps and falling down a dry sound echoing in the walls as her body hot the ground with a dry sound, she shuffled to her feet and rushed into Lauren's bedroom.

The girl's body was convulsing on the bed as her screams rang on and on, her hands clutching her head desperately, her body drenched in sweat. Amy ran to her and held her tight, trying to keep her from hurting herself. Amy shushed her, she sang to her, she did everything she could think of calm her down, but it didn't work, Lauren was screaming bloody murder her body agitated and moving desperately.

—Amy, step away— her mother demanded with a firm voice.

—NO! I won't leave her— Amy said, clutching her tighter.

—do you see the small layer of fur covering her skin? She's minutes away from transforming; her claws are going to come out. How is she going to feel when she notices that she hurt you? Please Amy, step away.

With her heart breaking she let Lauren go, watching as instantly ropes tied to her wrists and ankles strapping her to the posts of the bed, and making it impossible for her to move. She kept screaming, her back arching off of the bed inhumanly as she pulled at her restrains. Amy heard the wood creak as Lauren pulled harder, her back crashing again against the mattress. Multiple cracks were heard at once as the bones in Lauren's arms and legs re-shaped themselves, her screams getting louder in volume as Amy forced herself to watch her transformation once again, hands and feet getting longer as claws appeared.

A loud growl escaped her mouth as Lauren pulled harshly with one of her legs, the post giving out and breaking. Apolline rushed to keep the flying debris of wood from hurting the screaming girl.

—Ren, please— Amy pleaded with her. —come back to me, snap out of it.

—she can't hear you, her memories have broken the barriers in her mind, she's must be in so much pain. I don't know if she will be able to handle it.

The screaming had subsided, Lauren was to breathless to continue. She couldn't scream, her harsh panting was heard all over the from as she snapped both wrist, the cracks ringing in the room as she unconscious about the pain kept pulling at her restrains.

An hour and half kept going like that. Amy was I the corner of the room, sitting with her knees pulled close against her body, her form shaking uncontrollably as she tried to keep out Lauren's pain filled noises. Amy's chest was constricting with agony, her mind collapsing every time a rope broke, making her mother add two more to Lauren's already mangled arms.

A millennia seemed to pass once all sound quieted down. Amy couldn't stand, she felt drained and so very devastated. Her mother rushed to Lauren's side, patting her face gently.

—child, can you hear me?— Lauren's eyes were barely open as her face lolled to the side, whimper beginning to fall from her lips as her body lurched, retching. Apolline's eyes widened as she cut the ropes with a sharp movement of her wand, pulling Lauren onto her side as the girl got violently ill, everything she had eaten coming back out harshly.

—child?— she asked once again, but Lauren was completely unresponsive, her body just getting back to its human shape, shuddering violently as she unconsciously fought to get her breathing under control.

With a heavy heart Apolline healed her wrist and ankles, cleaning her body of the sweat and vomit with a wave of her wand.

—darling?— Amy heard her mother say. —she needs you now, you need to be the strong one for her— Amy didn't react. —Amélie, go and take care of her— the sound of her name made her look up, from her mother to Lauren's shuddering body.

Picking up all the strength she had, she stood up and kneeled next to Lauren until she was sure her mother had left, she placed a hand on her heaving chest, thinking that maybe her touch would calm her forceful breathing.

It didn't make much of a difference but Amy noticed that her shirt was soaked in sweat. She held her gently, every one of her limbs falling limply as Amy changed her clothes, her skin was sickly pale and clammy. Her head specially fell completely limp, a soft moan coming out of Lauren's mouth every time it moved, her eyes were open, but Amy could only see white, the emerald green nowhere to be seen as it was rolled to the back of her head.

Tortuous minutes passed as Amy took care of her, finally laying down in bed and pulling Lauren's body gently to her own, her soft whimpers quieting down finally when her head came to rest on Amy's chest, most of her weak body draped over the blonde's as Amy held her gently. Her hands ran up and down Lauren's back, trying to calm her shudders.

Hours went by before Lauren's body calmed down completely, her breathing evening out and her shudders coming to an end. Amy sneaked a hand to the back of her neck, caressing her softly and finding the skin there dry and smooth. Finally able to calm down she dared to close her eyes, falling to a restless sleep as her arms stayed around Lauren's all night long.

...

Amy woke up startled, Ren wasn't there. She jumped out of bed and ran out of the room almost cars being against her mother as the woman put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

—she left, she had an appointment in the French ministry today, she couldn't miss it. We will continue our tour around the city and she will meet us for dinner.

—she's going to be on that appointment all day long?— Amy asked, her heart still racing

—no, but it's better if she takes her time to rest after, she's still weak from yesterday and I think she needs some alone time.

—what as her appointment about?— she asked, completely ignoring her mother

—she's picking up some papers for Jade, she'll be fine.

Amy nodded, sighing in exasperation. All she wanted right now was to hold Lauren tight and never let her go.

—go change, darling, we will have breakfast outside— Amy nodded, smiling weakly at her mom and moving to the bathroom.

...

Emma woke up in panic, there'd was cold hand pressed against her mouth, crystal blue eyes, full of clouds and storms were looking back at her, signaling her to be quiet. She nodded silently and the hand retreated, Emma looked to the side to see that it was almost one in the morning.

—there is someone in the house, whoever it is broke every single ward we have and went straight in. Stay here and don't make any noise, if I don't come back in 5 minutes I want you to take this portkey and leave— Jade whispered looking intensely into Emma's eyes, her wand clutched tightly in her hand.

—you can go there, you are too weak, you are going to get yourself killed!— Emma said desperately.

—I have to, this is Lauren's house, I have to make sure that whoever that is isn't a threat to her. Promise me, that if I don't come back you will leave and don't look back.

—how do you expect me to do that? Are you out of your mind? I'll go with you

—you won't, if this goes wrong Lauren will need someone, she can't miss both of us, and she won't. Promise me— Jade told her and Emma nodded, she knew Jade was right.

She watched her go with sorry weighing down on her.

Minutes passed 1 turned to 5, 5 to 7 and 7 to 10, she knew she should have left by now but she couldn't, not whit hour Jade. Emma took her wand and left the room as silently as possible, she could only hear her heart beating as she made her way along the hallway.

Suddenly, a heavy hand grabbed her by the shoulder and she turned around, grabbing her attacker by the shoulders and kneeing him/her hard on the ribs, the attacker doubled over and Emma took her chance to punch the attacker's face twice, her third punch getting intercepted in midair.

—you are so not getting laid— Jade muttered, her voice sounding strangled with all the air that had escaped her lungs.

—Jade!?— Emma whispered/shouted. —what the hell? Fuck! I'm sorry— Emma said quickly.

—I just came to get you and you beat me up, what's wrong with you?— Jade spit out on the floor, trying to get the excess of blood away from her mouth, Emma had busted her lip.

—I thought you were gonna hurt me! Is dark, how was I supposed to know it was you?— Emma explained. —who is down stairs?

—A friend of mine— Jade said, straightening with a grunt. Placing her hand over the exact place where Emma had kneed her. —I'll introduce you to him.

Emma didn't let go of Jade's arm as they made their way down stairs and to the basement. A man with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes watching them come down with a smirk.

—Claus, this is Emma— Jade said. The man came forward seeing as Emma's eyes clouded for a second, her hold tightening on Jade's arm, before she put a fake smile on her face and held her hand out to him.

—Niclaus Lehrer, is a pleasure— he said, kissing the back of her hand, the small hairs of his three-day beard brushing against her skin lightly. —I see you and Jade are quite close— he paused, sending Jade a meaningful glance. —her scent is all over you, even a few days after your activities— he continued to smirk. Emma's face went red and Jade just smirked back at him.

—I have a strong presence— Jade said, wiping some blood from her lip with her thumb before sucking on it.

—you have always liked it a little rough— the man said, laughing slightly and Jade arched her pierced eyebrow.

—you were the first man in my life, that doesn't mean that you can get into my business, stay out of it— Jade said. Emma's eyes widened. Niclaus laughed.

—I'm going to look for something to heal your...— Emma trailed off and left the room.

—bad move, Jade, bad move— the man said, dropping on one of the couches.

—there's nothing between us, and I have a no bullshit policy, you were my first and I don't regret it— Jade said absentmindedly and his eyes softened, he stood to walk over to where she was standing.

—you and I...— he trailed off, blatantly looking at her with desire, but also with need. —maybe in another life— he sighed cupping her cold cheek and wiping away a trickle of blood from her bottom lip. She looked at him, knowing that she couldn't reciprocate his feelings, putting her hand over his on her cheek.

—you must know that I don't regret what happened between us, I do to regret giving myself to you...

—you have me the best gift anyone could have given me— he said.

—you made me who I am today— she said. —you are a great Beacon— her lips just barely twitched into a smile.

—that wasn't me being the Beacon, that was me loving you— he sighed and after a few seconds she saw him put his mask back on, that cocky expression that was so very fake. —she is coming— he whispered, pulling away just as Emma made her way inside.

—come here, Jade— Emma said, telling her to sit on an arm chair. Jade did as told silently. —can you move your jaw normally?

—yeah, you have a great right, but it wasn't enough to break my jaw, at least now I know that you can defend yourself— Jade said, not even batting and eyelash when Emma pressed a soft cloth to her busted lip, wiping away the blood and taking out her wand, muttering an incantation that closed the cut on Jade's lip in no time, leaving back just a bruise.

—why don't you kiss it better, Emma?— Niclaus asked with a smirk, laughing quickly after when Emma blushed.

—Claus, shut it. Only I am allowed to tease her— Jade said.

—who gave you that right?— Emma half shouted.

—I'm Head of the Pentagon, I can do whatever I want— Jade smirked and Emma looked up at the roof, begging the sky for mercy.

Jade stood up and motioned Emma to follow her. They left the basement and went to the living room.

—you can go to bed, I need to speak with him privately, I don't know how long he will stay.

—I thought he was just a friend of yours, what do you need to talk to him about?— Emma wondered.

—I do not need to explain myself to you— Jade said, her eyes hard. —the less you know the safer you will be. Go to bed— she finished, turning around to enter the basement.

Emma lunged forward to grab her arm, looking at Jade with worried eyes.

—what about you? Your safety?— she asked and quickly after Jade's laugh filled her ears. The raven haired woman shook off Emma's hold and turned her back on her, saying one last thing before closing the door behind herself.

—that doesn't exist.

...

Amy couldn't explain what she felt when she saw her again. What she did know is that she didn't want to stop looking at her, ever.
Ren's expression was every kind of broken in existence, her face withered and so very drained that every ounce of life seemed to be taken away from her. She was just standing there, on a corner, under a lamppost, the light of it unable to light up her dim eyesight which looked right through Amy. It was frightening. And it was even more disheartening when Amy got to her and the girl didn't react, looking forward lifelessly, not even aware of Amy's presence.

—Ren?— Amy asked, her heart so heavy that she was dying to rip it out.

An empty look is what she got in response. She couldn't take it, she simply couldn't.

She embraced Ren tightly, trying to bring her back from the war she was fighting against herself. She curled one arm around her waist, pulling her as close as possible as the other held gently the back of her head, trying to calm down the demons that were surely raging inside. Amy buried her fingers in Ren's hair until the tips made contact with her scalp, making gentle pressure. Ren let out a shuddering breath, almost choking on air as the tension in her body left, leaving her weak and so very tired, falling into Amy and unable to return the embrace.

—Ren?— she tried again, praying that she would respond.

She didn't and Amy could only turn her face slightly, leaving a soft kiss under her ear and whispering gently words of comfort.

—I'm here, I'm here, Lauren. Are you there?

Silence. Amy's heart clenched.

—Lauren, are you there?

There was moment, a single instant frozen in time in which Amy felt that she wouldn't get her back. A moment where she finally realized that Lauren wasn't okay. Amy held her, she held her because she was scared, because she had felt that she was going to lose Lauren so many times before that her heart was permanently agonizing. She held her because Lauren wasn't only that caring person that called her every day and took her to breakfast every morning, she wasn't just the girl that liked to do things with her hands and that had never watched Netflix until she met Amy. Amy held her because she was broken and because she hadn't considered it before, she had known, but she had never done a thing about it. Amy had never thought twice about Lauren's permanent calm expression or about her obsession with order, she had never thought about why she was so protective. Amy just saw glimpses, fractions of Lauren, and now, here, with Ren broken in her arms she didn't know what to do.

That simple fact hurt on its own...

—I'm here— Ren finally whispered, her dead arms coming up to embrace Amy, breaking her train of thought. —let's go, our parents are waiting for us. I'll be fine

Ren pulled away and Amy was quick to take her hand, keeping it in her own all the way to the restaurant and all the way through dinner.

When they went to bed that night Amy didn't let Lauren embrace her, she ignored Lauren's hurt expression and laid down, patting her own chest, using her motions to tell Lauren to rest against her. Amy's body warmed up when she saw Lauren smile shyly, shuffling under the covers until her head was placed comfortably on Amy's chest, the blonde's arms coming around Ren's body, holding her tight.

For the following sightseeing days Amy kept Lauren as close as possible, making sure to include her in the plans her parents had made, Amy held her every night and woke her with soft kisses and rubbing her back every morning.

Their routine changed one day. Amy woke up alone, there was no heaviness a top her body, she unconsciously groaned in discomfort and Lauren was next to her in a heartbeat.

—go back to sleep— Lauren whispered in her Amy's ear.

—come back to bed— Amy pouted, rubbing a fistful of Lauren's shirt.

—let her wake up, we are leaving already— Amy recognizes her mother's voice and blinked the sleepiness out of her eyes.

—going where?

—to our home— Amy opened her eyes to see her mother smile. —to your home.

Madame Delacour sat down in the edge of the bed next to her daughter.

—we will have a reunion tonight, with the members of the veela clan and their mates, we are going to present you publicly as our daughter and as the successor of your grandmother as the next head of the veela clan.

—wait, what?— it was early, she wasn't ready for this.

—is just a small ceremony with our family, we are going to give you the Delacour family ring and your grandmother is gonna present you as her successor. Normally the eldest is the successor, but Fleur has many things going on with the kingdom and all her responsibilities, you are second in line so if something happened to your grandmother you would be head of the veela clan. Don't worry darling, it is nothing—Amy's mother smiled, kissed Amy's hair and left the room, leaving her to stare blankly into space.

...

They got to the Delacour house (it was a mansion, a huge mansion with fountain included) through apparition. The place was full of people who were making the arrangements for tonight's dinner. Amy was instantly separated from Lauren and taken into a room where a nice maid helped her with everything she needed, also fixing her dress so it would fit perfectly on her body.

The only thing Amy wanted was to get to know the place where she once had lived, but that wouldn't be possible, at least not today.

—don't be nervous, everyone who is coming tonight is family— the maid told her reassuringly as she fixed Amy's hair.

When she was ready the maid left the room, telling her to wait until her mother came to get her.

Amy was sitting there, on a huge bedroom filled with white, looking at herself in the mirror, her dress was beautiful, white, the back was see-through lace an on the front in had a pattern of dark blue flowers, that covered the sections of her chest, part of the abdomen and just a few getting to the skirt.

Someone knocked the door and in came no one else but Lauren. Amy chocked a little once she saw her, she looked breathtaking, her make up light and her hair falling around her face beautifully, her dress was dark blue with small accents. I took Amy just a second to notice that they were dressed to match.

—hey— Ren said with a small smile, trailing her fingers down Amy's arm and then interlocking their fingers, giving the blonde's hand a small squeeze before leaning in to kiss her cheek. —nervous?

—a little— she said, she felt like she wanted to puke, but Lauren didn't need to know that.

—there is nothing to worry about, you are one of them, they will accept you in a heart beat. Can't say the same about myself— Lauren chuckled. —the feelings of these veelas about me are overwhelming, that's why your mom let me come and get you, it's time to go down and maybe then they will start ignoring the big bad lycan that has intruded their ceremony— Amy frowned.

—you are not intruder and you are anything but bad, ignore them, they don't know you and are only judging you for something that happen years ago...

—your mom told you the story...— Lauren realized.

—yes and I haven't felt the same since then, you know?— Amy said, Ren looked at her deeply and cupped her cheek.

—how so?

—it's really hard to explain, but ever since then, since that day, I have felt empty, like Im grieving the death of that girl in the forest, and when I think about it, it makes me feel so weak— Amy told her and it was the truth, she didn't know if it was because of the story or because of Lauren and the state she was in that night, but something inside of Amy didn't feel quite alright.

—then don't think about it— Lauren told her, looking into her eyes, her thumb caressing gently Amy's cheek. —we can't change the past, there is no point in dwelling on it. Maybe one day our races will live in peace and we will be able to be together without someone looking at us with disgust.

—it's so stupid— Amy said exasperated.

—I know— Lauren kissed her cheek. —but things can't get any worse, and your mother seems to like me, we'll be fine— Amy smiled cuddling into Lauren's chest.

—I guess you are right. I thought that those who weren't veela couldn't be in these things — Amy whispered, sighing deeply in content; Lauren's cool hands were rubbing her bare arms.

—And that's true, this is one of the few ceremonies where the mates, only the mates can attend, there is not much happening today, just you being presented as a Delacour veela and the next head of the clan, it is something that allowed for everyone to know.

—how can you be here if it's only veelas and their mates?

—your mother likes me, I think she has a soft spot for me— Lauren said. —we have to go down, you are supposed to mix with the guests while I hide behind you until the time for the ceremony takes place— Amy frowned and pulled away from Lauren, taking her had securely.

—you will not be behind me— Amy said, squeezing Lauren's hand. —you will be my side, in your place, where you are supposed to be— she leaned forward and kissed Ren's jaw. —if they want me they will have to accept both of us, you and I or nothing.

—would you really give all of that up for me?— Lauren asked, her eyes shying away from Amy.

Amy looked at Lauren, her face was softly blushed, her lips were parted and her eyes were so shy and so green. Amy couldn't help it, she leaned in and kissed her gently, as softly as humanly possible. She felt Lauren's lips tremble against her own. Amy smiled.

—yes— she simply whispered, pecking Lauren's soft lips once again before pulling her towards the door.

...

Amy honestly thought it would be different, but she found herself in a room full of people who simply wanted to chat with her for a few minutes and ask her how she was and how she was doing, none of them asked her about how she felt about being taken away from her family, they just wanted to know if she was okay wherever she had been.

Amy come to notice that the Delacour veela clan besides being confirmed by Delacour veelas it also had a few others who were not family by blood, but that had been welcome to join the clan. Those who were directly related to her were easy to recognize, the light shade of blonde hair and clear eyes gave them away.

Knowing that, it was easy for her to recognize her own sister. Gabrielle came at her pulling someone with her.

—hey Amy, this is my mate, his name is Noah Sannen— Gabrielle was beaming.

—Lauren?

—Noah?

Amy turned to Lauren and then to the guy, next thing she knows, they are hugging right in front of her.

—it has been so long! Where have you been, Lauren?

—here and there, man. I never expect you to see you here.

—oh well, live gives pretty unexpected turns— he said, wrapping his arm around Gabrielle shoulders and looking down at her with a smile. —it seems to me that Delacour girls keep mating with who they shouldn't— he laughed loudly and Gabrielle smacked his arm.

—shut up, dog!— Gabrielle exclaimed with a a playful smile.

"Dog?" Amy thought, everything turned in her head for a few seconds and then it hit her. "He must be a lycan"

She looked at the guy, he looked older than Gabrielle, he was tall and very well built, he had light brown hair and dark chocolate eyes, a beard just making an appearance. His factions were very sharp, his nose perfectly straight and his jaw looked like it could cut butter. He was really handsome, and for what she understood he should have around 17-18, but he looked older like Bastien, he must be a lycan.

—don't say it so loud!— the guy whispered/shouted, I don't why these veelas to come and kill me.

—as if they didn't already know that you are a lycan. There is nothing to worry about, I have already recognized you as my mate, you are untouchable now. I'm happy that you found someone you know, but it brought you here to meet my sister.

—oh! Of course, I apologize. I'm Noah Sannen, is a pleasure to meet you— he bowed to Amy and kissed the back of her hand.

—I'm-I'm Amy— she stet teared a bit, she still didn't know which name she should say or which last name. —I see you already know Lauren.

—yeah, sure— the guy said, smiling at Lauren. —when Lauren was Alpha of the pack I was part of, I was second in command, like her right hand.

—but finally when I left he got the place he deserved from the beginning, he became an alpha— Lauren said.

—that place is still yours and you know it, I'm just alpha because you left, you were the one who fought father— the guy said.

Amy almost chocked with her own spit. That meant that Lauren had killed his father, and here he was, looking at her like she was his hero.

—I have always felt like he let me win

—maybe he did, he wasn't strong enough to refuse what was asked of him, he was turned us against the crown and that would have ended a lot worse. You were strong enough to find a solution for us— he said, pulling his sleeve up a little. A moon crossed by an arrow marked in his skin.

—I'm sorry— Lauren said.

—there is no need, I understand and so does everyone else.

Amy saw the guilt on Lauren's face and so did Noah, who instantly tried to change the subject.

—by the way, how is your fiancé? Did you marry her already? I hope not, because I would be very hurt if you did get married and didn't invite me. How is your son?— he asked Lauren with a smile.

Amy's heart stopped, bursting in her chest in an instant as she felt everything inside die at once, the simple act of breathing was completely agonizing. She turned to look at Lauren, at the girl who was using her as the other one, as the girl on the side. Was that the reason why Lauren had never told Amy she loved her? Was that the reason why Lauren had never asked Amy to be her girlfriend officially? Because she had someone else, because she had a son.

Their eyes connected for a second and Amy saw her mouth opening and closing, unable to say anything, unable to deny.

Amy didn't need to hear anything else, she left her heart in pieces at Lauren's feet and as quickly as she could, she left the room.

It had been too good to be true.